The purpose of the evaluation was to assess how effective the Māori Provider Development Scheme (MPDS) has been at building the capacity and capability of Māori health providers. Currently, MPDS allocates funding of $8.8 million (GST exclusive) per annum.
Overall, the evaluation emphasises the positive impact MPDS funding has had on building the capacity and capability of Māori providers. The report makes a number of recommendations to improve the MPDS Programme.
Purpose
Purpose of the Māori Provider Development Scheme
- The Māori Provider Development Scheme (MPDS) was established in 1997 to provide grants to support the development of Māori health providers.
- MPDS currently provides $8.89 million (GST Exclusive) per annum to Māori health providers contracted by District Health Boards and/or the Ministry of Health as well as a number of National Māori organisations. Out of that, $1.139 million (GST Exclusive) is allocated through scholarships to support individuals training in health occupations.
The scholarship component has been evaluated separately[1].
- The four categories “infrastructure support”, “workforce development”,“service integration” and “accreditation and best practice” set the funding allocations for Māori health providers.
[1] see Review of the Hauora Māori Scholarship Programme 2008, AUT University.
Key Results
Key findings from the evaluation include:
the MPDS programme is being used for the intended purpose it was originally set up for and should be retained the programme has resulted in direct improvements across a number of areas, especially Information Technology and Workforce the four MPDS categories are in the most part suitable. However, some aspects require further review and modification the Ministry retain the administration of MPDS (the majority of District Health Boards, Māori health providers and Māori organisations did not support devolution of the MPDS).